Asekho Tiwani hasn’t been one to shy away from taking his chances, and that’s why his move to the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns side is not making him shake in his boots.
Tiwani rose to stardom late last season after scoring with a long-range shot for Sekhukhune United against Cape Town Spurs in the Premiership. The strike was voted the Goal of the Month for April.
The 19-year-old had just crossed the centreline with the ball at his feet when he lifted his head and saw that goalkeeper Zama Dlamini was off his line before hitting a thunderbolt that sailed into the far corner.
Tiwani’s reaction was priceless after that as his bench and on-field teammates embraced him in delight. The goal also went on to become the match winner.
Since then, though, questions have still been raised around whether Tiwani, who was just finding his feet in the top flight, intended to score that goal or if it was a fluke.
“I attempted to score that goal with intention. The coach told us that we needed to take our chances, of which I did,” Tiwani replied.
“I had just received the ball, and when I looked up, there was no one to pass to. So, I took my chance, but I was worried that if I don’t score, then I’ll get a tongue lashing.
“The technical team was going to ask what I was doing, but fortunately the ball hit the back of the net, and I was very happy after that.”
Tiwani hasn’t been one to shy away from seizing an opportunity whenever one comes along, something that explains his move to local champions Sundowns.
The Mount Frere-born footballer recently signed a long-term deal with Masandawana.
“The move was confirmed when I had just started pre-season with Sekhukhune. My agent told me about it, and they took further steps and then it happened,” he said.
Tiwani will compete for a starting berth against internationals such as Terrence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba and Divine Lunga at Sundowns, but still he’s not fazed.
“I am determined to fight. I am not scared of competition. If I were scared, I would have stayed at Sekhukhune,” Tiwani said.
“I don’t doubt my potential because they (Sundowns) signed me for a reason, so I will work hard to make sure I impress the technical team to be in the playing squad.”
The warm reception at Sundowns has also helped him settle.
“Everything is good at Sundowns ... the facilities and training sessions are world-class. I am happy to be there,” he said.
“I know I will learn a lot there, so I will be a better player. The team is united and everyone there is a good person – from the coaches to the players.”
Work going in on a Tuesday! 💪#Sundowns pic.twitter.com/ZnJhzPwF4Z
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) August 20, 2024
Tiwani has already shown signs of becoming a better player. He captained the SA Under-20 side – Amajita – to back-to-back wins over Lesotho in friendly matches last weekend.
But while he’s hoping to lead the team back to the African Youth Championships and World Cup next year, Tiwani has bigger fish to fry.
The 19-year-old wants to help Sundowns challenge for everything up for grabs on the domestic and continental front. And that’s why he feels content that he took his shot and joined the club.
“I take this as a blessing because not everyone gets such an opportunity to play for Sundowns, who are one of the best teams in Africa,” he said.
“I’ll always cherish this opportunity and thank God for this talent he gave me. I would not have been here without God, and the support from my parents.
“Many people think it was too early for me to move to Sundowns, but I am ready – hence, I accepted the move.”